3D Body Scanning

3D Body Scanning

A Model You! Modelu’s portable 3D body scanning equipment can transport you into a world of miniature, putting you on the footplate of your favourite locomotive; in the cockpit of your favourite aircraft; the possibilities are endless.

If you’d like a 3D body scan for your own custom figure, Modelu will be at various shows throughout the year, for more information check the diary. If you are a club, exhibition or organisation interested in a group booking for 3D scanning, please get in touch.

3D Body Scan Pricing

£25 per scan

What scales can you provide?

Our DLP resin printer excels at recreating small details, making it the ideal technology for printing figures in scales from Z (yes! Z!) up to 1:12th scale. Larger scales are produced in a fast curing black resin. If your chosen scale isn’t listed then we can help out, just let us know what scale you use and we can resize your scan accordingly.

How much does all this cost?

The 3D body scan of a single pose costs £25. You don’t pay for every scan, only the ones you want to keep, so this gives plenty of flexibility to get the right pose. You then chose the scale and quantity of your scans for 3D printing.

Gauge

Z

N

TT / 3mm

OO / HO

S Scale

O Gauge

Gauge 1

Gauge 3 / G Scale

16mm

Scale

1:220

1:148

1:100

1:76 / 1:87

1:64

1:43.5 / 1:48

1:32

1:22.5 / 1:22.6

1:19

Figures from

£1.00

£2.00

£2.50

£3.00

£4.00

£5.00

£10.00

£20.00

£25.00

After your scan has been taken, a colour copy of your 3D scan is available to view on your own computer at £30 each.

All prices are subject to change.

When do I get my 3D printed figure?

We aim to have your 3D prints available within 4-6 weeks, during which time your scan is edited and printed. Some information might have been captured which isn’t needed, such as items in the background or parts of the floor. Any anomalies that have been captured through slight movement during the scan can potentially be dealt with, any gaps or holes in the model are also filled in order for the model to be printable. This process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on what editing is required. Once the model is water tight it can then be 3D printed.

3D Scanning FAQ

What is 3D Scanning?

3D scanning is a method of capturing a real world object or environment, collecting its shape and possibly appearance (e.g. colour). This data can then be used to construct 3D models. 3D scanners can vary considerably in the method of capture and accuracy, with each technology having its own limitations, advantages and costs. Laser scanners provide the highest level of accuracy, with companies such as Hornby, Dapol and Bachmann utilising this technology for their newest model locomotives. Laser light is pulsed thousands of times a second, reflecting back off of the object to build up a ‘point cloud’, providing a very fast and accurate method of object capture. Laser scanning of this nature is very expensive for anyone other than the big manufacturers.

For modellers however, depending on the subject matter, scanning does not have to be prohibitively expensive. Although the quality of consumer scanners is not comparable to the industrial laser scanning setups, they can have their uses. Scanning organic objects such as people provides a high level detail once the subject has been scaled down.

Where can I get scanned?

You can find us exhibiting our 3D scanning installation at various shows throughout the year, check the diary to see where we’ll be next. If you are a club or organisation interested in a group booking for 3D scanning, please get in touch. We can be flexible and always allow for plenty of time to get the right scans and poses. We ask for any travel or if required, basic accommodation expenses to be covered. A group of 10 will take around 2 hours depending on the number of poses.

What happens during a scanning session?

The scanner is passed around the subject in 4 different height loops, starting with the torso, legs and feet, head and shoulders and lastly an angled scan from above the head. This process takes approximately 3-4 minutes, during which time the subject needs to maintain the required pose. Should some data not have been captured sufficiently the scanner can re-pass those areas. After the scan is completed you can then look at your 3D model on screen, if you are happy with it then it can be submitted for editing and finally printing.

How long does a session take?

The scan itself takes approximately 3-4 minutes and the whole process takes around 10 minutes. this includes setting up your pose, performing the scan and collating details so your print can be sent onto you. Any rescans or other poses will need additional time.

Do I need to wear anything specific?

If the purpose of the scan is for 3D printing of figures for a model railway for example, clothing and pose will be determined by the period, fashion and purpose. For example a steam era loco driver will need overalls or similar, hat, boots etc. Poses should also be considered. Will you be a scaled version of yourself standing in the street, or leaning out of the cab of a locomotive, or sitting minding your own business on a station platform?

Is there anything that won't scan?

The scanner cannot process reflective or transparent surfaces, so items such as spectacles or reflective strips will not scan. The subject must stay as still as possible for the duration of the scan, as any movement will create anomalies in the 3D scan mesh. This can be an issue if a particular position or pose is needed which is hard to maintain!

Can I have more than one figure or reprints?

You can order as many figures as you like and your 3D model is kept on file should you wish to reorder prints in the future.

Can you print my figure in colour?

We don’t have colour printing capabilities, though there are online bureaux such as Shapeway’s where you can get your scan printed in colour. However colour printing materials are limited and use a sandstone binding material and colour inks. They are more suited to larger scales as fine details will break easily.

Is the scanner safe for the human eye?

Yes, the scanner is a Class 1 certified product, safe for even long term viewing. Moreover, the scanner includes hardware and firmware mechanisms that monitor the laser and shut it down in the event of the slightest fault.

*ANNOUNCEMENT*
We've been working with Modelu to produce crews for our upcoming Andrew Barclay and P Class locomotives. We've scanned two packs for each loco, that accurately represent the crews & uniforms that worked on them in poses copied from period images! Models will be supplied in red resin, which will accept either enamel or acrylic paint.
P Class crews will be available in SECR/ SR and BR variants and there will be crews for the Andrew Barclays in "smart overalls" and typical NCB "uniforms".
See hi-resolution photos and pre-order your crews, here: goo.gl/etJF5h